Number of guests

Abaco Lodge

Bonefish is the primary species. The skiffs depart from the lodge, with the marls out the back door. They use top-of-the-line Hells Bay Waterman skiffs, that run in 6" of water. The fishing is more from the boat than wading, but wade fishing is an option. On the Cherokee Sound side of the Island, there are huge bones, but they are tougher to catch, like the big ones usually are. The lodge is happy to coordinate a day or two with the best captains available in search of marlin, sailfish, Dorado, wahoo, or tuna depending on the season. Arrangements can be made at the lodge, but the best captains book early and we recommend you do as well. There will be an additional charge for this fishing.

Arrivals and Departures

The lodge is totally flexible on arrival and departure days (depending on availability). Itineraries of 3 nights and 2 days of fishing and longer can be arranged.

Accomodations

Each angler has a private air-conditioned room with a private bath.

Non Anglers / Activities

Abaco Lodge sometimes has specials where your spouse goes free. They do not have a non-fishing program but do have a pool and Marsh Harbour is 10 minutes away.

Airport / Logistics

The local airport is Marsh Harbour. There are flights everyday from Florida and Nassau. Your flight will be met and you will be transferred to the lodge, about a 10 minute drive.

Climate

Temperatures range from the low 70's to the low 90's. It is typical Caribbean weather with possible showers and some wind. The warmest weather is from the late spring to summer.

Even though you are in the Bahamas, US currency is commonly used. The lodge takes VISA and MC for purchases but not gratuities.

Gratuities

A suggested guide tip for the boat (2 anglers) is $80. per day. The suggested house tip is $40 per room per night. A gratuity for the managers is greatly appreciated. It is a nice gesture to tip the shuttle driver.

Medical Facilities

The best medical facilities are in Florida. This would be by a scheduled flight or a Medevac charter.

Documentation

A Passport is required for entry and return by US citizens. There is a $15 departure tax.

Beverages

The lodge has an open bar where all sodas, beer, bottled water, wine, and liquor are complimentary and part of the hospitality.

Laundry

Laundry service is complimentary.

Phone, Internet, Power

Phone: paid phone

Internet: free internet

Power: 110 volts

The “Marls of Abaco” are a vast expanse of prime wilderness bonefish habitat, situated along the western shore of Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas. The Marls have long been known by well-traveled bonefishermen as one of the most unique and productive fisheries in the Bahamas. Abaco Lodge even hosted the saltwater fly fishing series “Pirates of the Flats”. The lodge sits on the rocky shoreline of the Marls on the west side of Abaco, just north of Marsh Harbour.
The “Marls of Abaco” are a vast expanse of prime wilderness bonefish habitat, situated along the western shore of Great Abaco Island in the Bahamas. The Marls have long been known by well-traveled bonefishermen as one of the most unique and productive fisheries in the Bahamas. Abaco Lodge even hosted the saltwater fly fishing series “Pirates of the Flats”. The lodge sits on the rocky shoreline of the Marls on the west side of Abaco, just north of Marsh Harbour.

Abaco Lodge consists of eight air-conditioned private rooms with private bath, a fully stocked bar, pool, sitting room, an outdoor fire pit, and patio. The charm and hospitality of this eight-person lodge and the easy access via Marsh Harbour have made it a favorite with anglers. The food is outstanding, made with fresh ingredients and Out Island flair. If you want to keep in touch while at the lodge there is a computer with high-speed internet, WiFi and phone service. The lodge also has a large flat screen television in case there is a game you don’t want to miss. The complimentary hospitality bar is fully stocked with spirits, cold beers, soft drinks, plenty of ice, a blender and mixers for cocktails.

Breakfast is served at 7:00 am, you leave the dock at 8:00 am and return between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. This schedule can be tailored to your needs with advance notice. Picnic lunches and cold drinks are packed in a cooler and taken to the flats by your guide.

Abaco has more than 400 square miles of flats, none better known than the Marls on the western side of the island. Abaco Lodge is centrally located directly on the Marl side of the island. For twenty miles the average depth is four feet; a bonefisherman couldn’t ask for a better backyard. They also fish the eastern ocean side of the island as well, including Cherokee Sound, the Bight of Robinson and Snake Cay. With the numerous options available, it is very rare to miss a day of fishing due to weather.

The Marls flats are accessed right from the lodge dock while the ocean side flats require a short drive. Abaco Lodge is outfitted with a brand new fleet of Hell’s Bay Waterman skiffs, the world's finest light tackle fishing skiffs. All of them are equipped with padded seats with backrests and a lean bar and are powered with Yamaha 50HP engines. I have not seen better boats anywhere. The majority of the fishing is done from the boats but wading opportunities exist if you prefer. Travel time to the flats varies from 10 to 45 minutes.

The bonefish on the Marls average two to four pounds with the occasional shot at bigger fish. The ocean side flats offer opportunities to catch some of the largest bonefish in the Bahamas, but these fish are incredibly wary creatures. There are occasional shots at permit, tarpon, ‘cudas, jacks, and sharks, so we recommend you bring the appropriate tackle just in case. There is nothing worse than seeing a 20-pound permit tailing or a juvenile tarpon cruising the flat and not having the right gear set up. In addition to the wonderful flats fishing, Abaco also has incredible blue water fishing.